The
command station, the heart of the ZIMO system, generates stabilized power
to the track, a standardized DCC signal as well as the MOTOROLA format.
Being the CAN bus central unit, it also processes data from the cabs connected
(loco speed and functions, programming procedures etc.) as well as from
a possibly hooked up computer;

It also manages
and controls other ZIMO products, such as accessory and track section modules.

The
track voltage can be adjusted between 12 and 24 Volts to accommodate all
scales and provide optimum conditions for any kind of operation. The high
output current of 8 Amps is enough to power 10 or more HO trains or 5 or
more large scale engines simultaneously. ZIMO's high output MX1HS delivers
even more power with 2x8 Amps for two separate layout sections or, used
in parallel, for one large section.

However, ZIMO's command
stations are more than simple high powered digital central units: the big
difference to command stations of other DCC systems becomes apparent when
looking at the informative display showing voltage and amperage to each
track outlet and the status of the CAN bus, it's 8 inputs for automated
shuttle train operations and for future expansions ("automatic operations"),
the software development possibilities in directions of operational control
and train surveillance techniques (block control at first).

The illuminated display with
2 x 16 digits is normally used to indicate track voltage and power (separate
for main and programming track at MX1, or the two track outputs at the
MX1HS), as well as for the CAN bus activity (C..%) or CAN bus error (E..).
Product and version number will be shown depending on system state; help
information is shown in the scope of programming procedures (initiated
from connected cabs).

The red adjusting knob is used to regulate the track
voltage (12-24V), the MX1HS features two regulators.

DC and ground connections (ahead of DCC end stage) for uses such as, the
supply of the MX7,

4 pin control bus socket to connect boosters (ZIMO MXBOO or MX1HS) as slave
units but also 3rd party products using a control bus,

RS 232 Interface.

Configuration
Variables of the MX1 (MX1HS):

Similar
to configuration variables in decoders, general system settings can be
configured and certain sequences and functions defined; access to the command
station CV's is possible with any cab connected.

The
RS 232 Interface

does
several tasks:

Updating the command station
by downloading a new software version, available at the ZIMO web site,
into the units own flash EPROM; in the future, connected cabs and modules can
also be updated provided they too contain a flash EPROM.

Several software products
can be used for driving, switching and programming witha computer, especially
suitable is E. Sperrer's programming software "ADaPT".

The
Starter Sets:

The
command station MX1 (or MX1HS) is usually obtained as part of a ZIMO starter
set. Additionally, a cab, one or two decoders for the selected scale, the
necessary cable and connectors and a ZIMO manual (which not only contains
the information of the starter set but of all ZIMO components) is part
of a starter set. NOTE: The necessary transformer is not included; TRAFO25
is recommended by ZIMO, but any other transformer can be used (ca. 24V,
min 150VA).